See parts one and two of this session for more information. The session was described by one of the speakers as “speed dating for eBooks”- evaluating the relationships between libraries, publishers, vendors. Best thing I heard all day.

Lenny – budget and workflow are concerns, always looking a year in advance.

Erin – CBO general ebook platform focused on perpetual access of titles; forthcoming developments – digital collections from Cambridge Libary, New Cambridge history of Islam; discussing the best use of delivering print materials in a digital format that will be most useful, relevant and user friendly. Always looking at discoverability and functionality, they really want to be at the simultaneous release of p and e, it’s the workflow issue that is holding things up. Lots of opportunities for ILL, PDA, metadata (better and more consistent fashion), use reports. Suggests that librarians keep pushing the envelope with publishers. Continue reading Mad World of eBooks, part two – ALA discussion→

On Saturday morning at ALA, a group of librarians and publishers gathered together to discuss the world of eBooks, particularly aspects of consortial purchasing. Each hour of the discussion a panel of publishers and librarians was on hand to lead the discussion.

The event was organized by Michael Zeoli at YBP, Julie Gammon at the University of Akron, and Tony Horava at OCUL. Michael began the event with general slides about eBook and print book availability and sales. He also offered a few anonymous comments from librarians. I’ll try to get copies of his slides to post. Continue reading Mad World of eBooks part one – ALA discussion→